A new multinational study from MetLife reveals a striking "confidence gap": while most adults describe themselves as resilient, their confidence drops by 72 per cent when faced with real-life setbacks.
The Confident Pathways Report, conducted across the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Mexico, was designed to better understand how confidence is built and sustained throughout life, says a press release.
The findings underscore the role of opportunity, preparedness, and support in building confidence, factors that help people navigate uncertainty, recover from setbacks, and pursue their goals.
Commenting on the report, Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, MetLife Bangladesh, said: "Sports teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience, qualities that are essential for building confidence in the face of life's challenges. In Bangladesh, where a significant proportion of the population is young, investing in early exposure to sports, education, and mentorship is critical."
At a time when football is bringing people and communities together globally, the study also underscores how early exposure to sports, education, and mentorship plays a critical role in fostering resilience. Research shows that participation in sports is linked to improved mental well-being and life satisfaction among young people.